Consulting Services for the implementation of the activities on the topic of development of the organic production in Uzbekistan

Since 1992, GIZ is supporting the economic development and employment in Uzbekistan. This project focuses on organic agriculture as one potential driver for improved business development.

Agriculture accounts for about 32 per cent of GDP and 27 per cent of employment in Uzbekistan, thus playing an important role for the national economy. Organic production is already ongoing in the country and over 5’932 ha are certified for organic products . However, 5,000 ha are certified for wild collection, making organic farming in the classical sense still marginal.

With the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 96 of February 23, 2021 “On the adoption of the Ordinance on the Procedure for the Voluntary Certification of Organic Agriculture and Food Production” , Uzbekistan drafted its first organic law. The ordinance was issued in order to develop production, regulation and coordination systems in accordance with the requirements of international organic standards, to improve the quality and safety of organic products and to expand the export geography.

The tasks of the project focus on the improvement of the domestic organic fruit sector. A pilot plot shall be identified, preferably in the Ferghana Valley, which forms the intersection of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. High population density, many ethnic groups, a weak economy and high unemployment make it a hotbed of conflict. Violence has occurred several times in the past. Furthermore, water is a particularly precious commodity in this region. In Soviet times, water supply and distribution were organized for the entire region. Today, each state exclusively pursues its own interests. Fortunately, there has recently been movement in the hardened fronts between the countries of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Mutual visits of the presidents of both countries raise hope for stabilization and constructive development, from which the Ferghana Valley can benefit.